– I have always been very fond of gardening and very fond of growing. Every year I have grown more and more, says Ingebjørg Finnesand. She is actually a sheep farmer, but this year the dahlias have become an extra income for the Roglander. Because cut flowers thrive especially well in the Norwegian soil, she says. – Especially here in South-West Norway, we have good conditions for growing cut flowers. And the season is very long. But the production of cut flowers has gradually decreased since 2005, according to figures from the Norwegian Directorate of Agriculture (external link). Ingebjørg Finnestad is a rare flower. Photo: Odd Rune Kyllingstad / news Cheers to those who dare One of the reasons is that we import most of the cut flowers from the Netherlands and Africa. In 2008, imports of flowers from so-called LDC countries were removed. This particularly accelerated the import of cut flowers, shows a report from NUPI. But both the flower industry and the Gartnerforbundet want more people to grow cut flowers in Norway. – We think it is a great pity that production has fallen so much. We feel that Norwegian flower production represents a short journey, low emissions, as well as fresh and healthy plants that are adapted to the Norwegian climate. Secretary General of the Norwegian Association of Gardeners, Arne Kristian Kolberg. Photo: Ina-Kristin Lindin / news That’s according to the secretary general of the Gartners’ Association, Arne Kristian Kolberg. He points out that the Norwegian consumer is also interested in Norwegian-produced flowers. – We see that Norwegian consumers see the value of taking care of the heritage we actually have. In an environment where shops prioritize Norwegian, consumers prefer Norwegian-produced flowers. But there are many who do not have the opportunity, and that is a shame. Do you check whether the flowers you buy are from Norway? 💐 Yes 🌻 No 🌺 Show result He thinks there is room for more producers. – Of course it is desirable, but it requires that those who sell flowers also prioritize, and of course, Norwegian flowers. Flower wholesaler Blomsterringen has six sales and distribution facilities in central and southern Norway. Managing director Gudmund Baustad says they are cheering for those who want to start Norwegian production. – It is very positive to have Norwegian-produced flowers and more products in, and I also think that consumers in Norway prefer to buy Norwegian when they have the choice, says Baustad and adds: – Then you have to have some entrepreneurs who want and dare to stand up for it . Then we will cheer and buy. Production and prices of cut flowers Both production and prices of cut flowers have been steadily decreasing from 2005 until today. In 2003, the highest price per piece was: 4.03 In 2020, the price per piece was 3.02. For 2021 and 2022, the price per piece is estimated at NOK 2.83 and NOK 3.06 respectively. Tulips made up 96 percent of the total production of cut flowers in 2021, measured in number of flowers. Source: Directorate of Agriculture & Nibio. Short-traveled flowers are “wife porn” Ingebjørg Finnesand still finds flowers ready for delivery in her beds. Although we are well into October. She delivers these to Bente Molde Husebø on Muségata blomar in Stavanger. Bente Molde Husebø appreciates the flowers from Ingebjørg Finnesand. Photo: Odd Rune Kyllingstad / news The shop owner shows off the bouquets in the shop. The goods mostly come from the Netherlands and Africa. But now also from Mosterøy. She greatly appreciated the short-lived flowers. Before, there were many local flower producers who delivered flowers to her shop. Today there is only Ingebjørg Finnesand. – We are seriously happy when we receive the short-traveled products. It is very difficult to get hold of short-grown flowers, says Husebø. And the dahlias from Mosterøy don’t stay in the shop for long. – It’s simply wife porn, laughs Bente. – Wife porn? – Yes, as soon as we put them out, they come running, she says. And there will be more of the popular flowers. Finnesand has decided to expand. – Next year there will be twice as many flowers, she says. Both the Gartnerforbundet and Blomsterringen believe that Norwegian-produced flowers must be given priority. Photo: Odd Rune Kyllingstad / news
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Your weekend bouquet has traveled all the way from Africa – now the industry wants more short-traveled flowers – news Rogaland – Local news, TV and radio
